JR West Kansai-Hokuriku Pass – If you’re on vacation to Japan, it would be so lovely if you could explore various regions that offer its own charm. After exploring the exquisite nature of the East Japan region, it’s time to visit the region of West Japan, which is no less beautiful!
Have you been to Ishikawa? A prefecture on Honshu Island’s coast is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including mountains, forests, and beaches. There are various historical and cultural attractions you wouldn’t want to miss!
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Pack Your Bags. It’s Time for a Vacation to Ishikawa!
To get to Ishikawa Prefecture, you only need to travel by train for 3 hours and 8 minutes from Tokyo. This destination is perfect for t-mates to find a place with an authentic Japanese traditional atmosphere.
Famous for its cultural heritage, you can find modern ryokan, traditional gold leaf and ceramics crafts, various historical sites, and joining traditional festivals and performing arts such as the Noh Theater here.
Things to Do in Ishikawa: Let’s Explore Nature, Culture, and Culinary!
1. Exploring Kanazawa, the Capital of Ishikawa Prefecture, which is Rich in Cultural Values
As the Capital city of Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa is famous for its beautiful samurai surroundings, traditional tea houses, and well-designed Japanese gardens. So, no wonder this city became Ishikawa’s cultural and historical center.
Kanazawa is also considered Japan’s hidden gem, as it offers a traditional tourist experience with a modern feel. Can’t wait to explore? See the popular tourist spots in Ishikawa below!
Take a Historical Tour of Kanazawa Castle
This destination is the most interesting historical tour in Kanazawa. You can see various historical heritages since the early 16th century. This palace has typical Japanese architecture with a grand entrance gate and beautiful gardens. What makes it more interesting is you can find the beautiful garden of Kenrokuen Park on the opposite.
Opening hours and days: Every day, 09.00-16.30 local time
Alamat: 1-1 Marunouchi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0937, Jepang (Check on Google Maps)
Walk around the Beautiful Garden, Kenrokuen Garden
Kenrokuen Garden is one of Japan’s famous “Three Great Gardens” in Japan. In this beautiful 100-hectare park, you can find Lake Kasumigake, an artificial lake with a beautiful small island in the middle.
You can also see the trees, beautiful cherry blossoms that will bloom in spring, and a tea house to relax and rest while enjoying the garden scenery.
Opening hours and days: March-Mid October, 07.00-18.00 | Mid-October-March 08.00-17.00 local time
Alamat: 1 Kenrokumachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0936, Jepang (Check on Google Maps)
Enjoy the Exhibition at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art is an art museum built by two Japanese architects named Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa with a minimalist, one-of-a-kind, and modern building concept!
Interestingly, this museum has a living room without a roof called “The Oval”. The art collection here also varies, ranging from paintings and sculptures to multimedia artworks, to the famous installation “The Swimming Pool” by Leandro Erlich, where t-mates can feel the sensation of “entering” into an upside-down swimming pool. Super unique and cool!
Opening hours and days: Tuesday-Thursday, 10.00-18.00 | Friday-Saturday, 10.00-20.00 | Sunday, 10.00-18.00 local time (closed Monday)
Address: 1 Chome-2-1 Hirosaka, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-8509, Japan (Check on Google Maps)
Try Kanazawa’s Specialties, Fresh Seafood, and Traditional Tea!
Besides being famous for its cultural tourism, Kanazawa has delicious special culinary delights! One of them is fresh seafood and also snow crab. You can enjoy the special cuisines at the restaurants or the local market.
Opt to enjoy authentic tasting traditional tea and sweets? Let’s stop by Higashi Chaya (Eastern Chaya District), where the Edo period’s traditional Japanese tea culture and lifestyle are still very well preserved.
2. Stop by Kaga Onsen and Explore Various Onsen Villages!
What’s more interesting than being soaked in natural hot springs called onsen in Japan? If you’re on holiday to Ishikawa, it’s really worth visiting the Kaga Onsen region, which is famous for its several onsen villages.
Kaga Onsen is situated in the south of Kanazawa near Mount Hakusan, one of Japan’s Three Sacred Mountains.
Some famous onsen in the city center includes Katayamazu Onsen, located in a small lagoon lake by the shore, and not to mention the Yamashiro Onsen, with its authentic Meiji Era style. As well as Yamanaka Onsen, nested is in a mountainous area.
3. Spend a Slow Day at Noto Peninsula
A trip to Ishikawa Prefecture will be even more memorable if you visit Noto Peninsula! This area is famous for its sea views and rural nuances, perfect for relaxing.
Known for its stunning sea views and beaches, make sure to stop by Chirihama Beach and Koji Beach along the Noto coast to enjoy the best sunset in Japan!
Curious to see their stunning view of the green rice terrace? Just drop by the Wajima region! Besides that, the Wajima Kiriko Art Museum can also be a great choice if you’re into cultural tourism. You can also enjoy the Noto Kiriko Festival if you come here during the summer~
How to get to Ishikawa with the JR West Kansai-Hokuriku Pass
You can take the JR Limited Express Thunderbird from Kyoto or Osaka to reach Kanazawa in Ishikawa. To make your trip easier, you can buy JR West Kansai-Hokuriku Pass offers the convenience of traveling with all JR West transportation in the Kansai and Hokuriku regions in Japan for 7 days.
The JR West Kansai-Hokuriku Pass is also valid for local trains, express, JR West shinkansen, West Japan JR Bus with certain routes, to ships ferry JR to Miyajima. Besides being more practical, you can save more!
Areas Covered by the JR West Kansai-Hokuriku pass
JR West Kansai Hokuriku Pass covers the Kansai and Hokuriku region, such as Ishikawa, Nagano, Niigata, Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara, Wayakama, and many more.
This pass will be your perfect choice if Universal Studios Japan, Jigokudani Monkey Park, Hirosaki Park, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Nara Park, and other famous attractions in Kansai and Hokuriku are on your wish list!
How to Buy the JR West Kansai-Hokuriku Pass at tiket.com
Take a peek at how to buy JR West Kansai-Hokuriku Pass tickets on the tiket.com application!
SAVE MORE BY USING PROMO CODE: BLOGTODO
Price: Starting from USD 59.21*
Let’s Turn Ishikawa to Your Next Vacation Destination in Japan!
It turns out that there are lots of destinations that you can explore while on vacation in Japan. Luckily, you can buy JR West Kansai Hokuriku Pass tickets to make exploring various areas in Japan easier!
After booking your flight tickets to Japan, don’t forget to book a nearby hotel room and also check out other exciting activities in Japan on the tiket.com app for your holiday inspirations!
going anywhere? tiket.com!
*Prices and conditions may change at any time.
